1 WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates today is taught in several forms, following the legacy of Joseph Pilates, who developed the method some 80 years ago to train his own body and mind. He called it "Contrology" reflecting his belief in the importance of the mind's control over the body. Pilates used to say: “It is the mind itself which builds the body. The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body – and not at its mercy.” It means that our mind and body have to work together, we have commit to it and be consistent to earn the benefits.
Pilates targets deep postural muscles, building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct alignment. Pilates is so much more than a fitness or exercise class. Pilates principles apply to all movement of everyday life: breathing, control, range of motion. As a training method, it aims to create strong and functional body by increasing mobility, flexibility, and core strength.
Perfect for athletes looking to enhance their performance and minimise the risk of injury, Pilates is also ideal for beginners. Its slow, controlled approach means that it gives much longer - term results. It is especially recommended by medical specialists for those with back problems.
2 BENEFITS OF PILATES
With Pilates ever so popular, praised by celebrities, athletes and office workers alike, what are the benefits that makes it so attractive?
The benefits of Pilates are endless, I listed some of them below:
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improved posture, strength, flexibility and joint mobility,
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better balance, stability, co-ordination,
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improved muscle tone,
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increased body awareness,
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more efficient breathing.
Pilates is often recommended by doctors and physios as an effective rehabilitative exercise.
It is also recommended for those struggling with back pain as it strengthens the deep torso, abdominal and back muscles.
Through consistent Pilates practice you will gain sense of care and respect for your body.
3 IS PILATES SUITABLE FOR ME?
I often hear the following questions: "I am not physically fit. Can I start Pilates", "I am x years old, am I too old to start?"
Pilates is low impact yet effective set of exercises and can be tailored to a beginner or more advanced users. Therefore yes, you can start even though you are not physically fit. That is why we are here - to get better and no one will judge you. Similarly with age - if you have any limitations then I will adapt and guide you through exercises so you too can make and see the progress.
I will work with you, in your own pace so you can improve as you go. We will have great fun too.
There is however couple of things worth considering before signing up for Pilates classes.
Pilates is not for impatient or looking for quick fix. There are also some medical conditions where Pilates may not be suitable, and well qualified teacher will always insist on getting a doctors consent if a serious medical condition comes up during enrolment.
4 BODY CONTROL PILATES DIFFERENCE
Body Control Pilates offers programme of exercises which are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. Many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills, to building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method.
When it comes to Pilates teacher qualifications, Body Control Pilates is widely seen as a benchmark for safe and effective teaching of the highest quality. It is Europe’s largest professional Pilates organisation and currently the only UK training provider to offer a course that meets the requirements of both the flagship Society for the Pilates Method standard and the existing ‘Level 3 Pilates‘. Whilst there is a now a wide range of teacher training courses available in the UK, Body Control Pilates remains a benchmark for quality, for the precision of teaching, and for access to teaching practice through unique network of ‘supervising teachers’.
Matwork teacher training course is the most comprehensive course of its kind available and comprises of:
face - to - face and online tuition, practical assessment, series of exams (anatomy and principle of fitness), supervised teaching, self study, lesson planning and class assessment. A student is ‘signed off’ and receives certification once they have successfully completed all the above elements of the course.
Body Control Pilates teachers adhere to a Code of Practice that governs teaching standards and professional ethics. All teachers hold valid insurance and First Aid certification.